EMTB Advice?

[Cybersnow]

Am 80 years old but do not want to stop biking. I live in an area in the mountains where there are numerous beginner and intermediate trails. I am starting to feel uncomfortable mounting and dismounting my EMTB while it is rolling. My desired EMTB (step through) looks like it is available only in Europe. I would like to find a bike that is easy to mount/dismount while stopped. I am done with downhill and advanced trails but would prefer a full suspension and >100 Nm of power. We do have step through commuter e bikes for riding roads so a long distance battery is not needed. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[stompandgo]

What kind of step-through height are you looking for? What is your ideal bike, only available in Europe? What is your target bike size?

Lots of wishes and not a lot of specifics. Your >100Nm requirement is going to limit your motor choices significantly.

 

[Cybersnow]

I am not restricting myself to step through, I just need to be able to mount the bike standing still. A low upper bar and a drop seat might work. There are several different step through EMTB or TREKING bikes that are step through according to the EMTB website but so far I cannot find a dealer in the Boise Area. Haibike makes several different models, but then again I can’t find a dealer. The Bosch CX motor now has an upgrade to raise it from 85Nm to 100+Nm.

 

[RunForTheHills]

Not full suspension, but maybe the Aventon Ramblas? If you can find an analog bike you like, you can put an ebike kit on it or get someone like @PedalUma to build one for you.

 

[RunForTheHills]

This is the Specialized Turbo Levo 4 (104nm). You can see how the rear suspension requires some space and limits how low the top tube can go. Although it may be close to the Aventon.

 

[Cybersnow]

I have a couple of hard tail E-Bikes but have found them a bit uncomfortable when riding on trails that have a lot of riprap or roots. Both bikes have front shocks and I have tried suspension seat posts but the wife cannot stand the jarring. Would really like to go to a full suspension bike.

 

[DaveMatthews]

I am not restricting myself to step through, I just need to be able to mount the bike standing still. A low upper bar and a drop seat might work. There are several different step through EMTB or TREKING bikes that are step through according to the EMTB website but so far I cannot find a dealer in the Boise Area. Haibike makes several different models, but then again I can’t find a dealer. The Bosch CX motor now has an upgrade to raise it from 85Nm to 100+Nm.

Like @stompandgo I'm curious which step through eMTB in Europe fits your bill?
Another consideration is overall weight.

 

[stompandgo]

It depends what he means by step-through. I've asked that question without an answer. I'm not going to just roll out suggestions only to have them taken apart as not meeting his requirements. Any idiot can ask AI or thumb through websites.

BTW the Bosch upgrade is manufacturer-dependent. Also, the standard CX motors were not designed for 100Nm. Bosch thinks it can handle it, but for how long, and under what conditions? Bosch has aggressive thermal control that ratchets back power to save itself.

 

[Cybersnow]

E-MOUNTAINBIKE ran a magazine that had 4 bikes in review. The Zemo SU-E FS11 was rated as best. None of the four are sold in the US. Only Haibike has full suspension low step e bikes but checking them out on line, they seem to have a great number of negative reviews. I think my next step is to visit a couple of the LBS here in our little mountain town and see if there is a bike that I can comfortably mount while stopped.

 

[Cybersnow]

It depends what he means by step-through. I've asked that question without an answer. I'm not going to just roll out suggestions only to have them taken apart as not meeting his requirements. Any idiot can ask AI or thumb through websites.

BTW the Bosch upgrade is manufacturer-dependent. Also, the standard CX motors were not designed for 100Nm. Bosch thinks it can handle it, but for how long, and under what conditions? Bosch has aggressive thermal control that ratchets back power to save itself.

I have a Velotric Discover 2 that is a step through. However, I am not locked into that low of a step. At 80, I am a little leary of mounting the bike while moving by swinging my leg over the saddle. If it is possible to mount and unmount the bike while stopped, I will be happy. Hope this makes sense.

 

[stompandgo]

Your Velotric is a step-thru. This is the Zemo you mentioned. Not a step-thru, not 100Nm, not really an E-MTB. It's a trekking bike. It can be ridden off-road in the limited way that you stated. Is this what you really want? You will not find a true E-MTB as a step-thru.

If you are concerned about hitting your leg when swinging it over the saddle, you can get a dropper post. They are common on E-MTB's.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

So you're looking for something like this Moustache open frame, full sus with a Bosch Cx motor?

Moustache used to export to US but not sure anymore. Anyone know of a US brand tgat does something similar?

 

[Cybersnow]

While I probably will not take on the terrain typically shown on videos for EMTB, I do like to ride the fire roads and easier MTB trails in the area. I think I will look next week at the three MTB bike shops in town. A lower top bar with a dropper saddle may be the ticket. Would you suggest that I focus on Bosch CX performance motors or are there others that I should consider?

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Do you get Cube bikes over there? They also do open frame off road bikes - Cube Stereo Hybrid 'Open' / 'Trapeze' frames

 

[PCeBiker]

I think my next step is to visit a couple of the LBS here in our little mountain town and see if there is a bike that I can comfortably mount while stopped.

I think that should be your first step, even if only to find what sort of frame geometry suits you.

It's not just the ability to mount the ebike.
You really need to "Like" the ebike, and a test ride is the only way to know if you like everything about it.

Take a ride on Everything that allows you to mount and dismount the ebike.

Buying from an LBS is always your best bet.
Maybe they can order Exactly what You Want and need, then provide the service for you if you buy it through them.

 

[Cybersnow]

Since it is Saturday and the weekend the shops will be busy in our small town renting and fixing tourist bikes. I will head into town on Tuesday and see what is available.

 

[DaveMatthews]

While I probably will not take on the terrain typically shown on videos for EMTB, I do like to ride the fire roads and easier MTB trails in the area. I think I will look next week at the three MTB bike shops in town. A lower top bar with a dropper saddle may be the ticket. Would you suggest that I focus on Bosch CX performance motors or are there others that I should consider?

Giant uses Yamaha and are extremely reliable.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Bosch, Yamaha, Brose, Shimano all pretty good & generally reliable especially if you buy through a decent local shop with decent warranty which they all should have.

 

[PCeBiker]

I like Bafang myself, but I like cheap crap. Lol

100% my own creation, but I'm my own mechanic.
I order parts directly from China.


Keep in mind that a suspension ebike needs to sit higher so the suspension has room to travel.

 

[PedalUma]

Not full suspension, but maybe the Aventon Ramblas? If you can find an analog bike you like, you can put an ebike kit on it or get someone like @PedalUma to build one for you.

That Ramblas is sweet. It is what I call a mid-step. It has a low standover height and the price is fantastic.